Convicted killer Thomas Svekla won’t be eligible for parole for 17 years while he serves out a life sentence in jail, Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Sterling Sanderman ruled yesterday.

Svekla, convicted June 3 of second-degree murder in the death of Theresa Innes, a 36-year-old mother of two, remained emotionless as the sentence was read.

“In another era, maybe another century, Mr. Svekla would be known as a cad, he’d be known as a louse, he’d be known as a lowlife,” said Sanderman yesterday.

Innes, a sex-trade worker who reportedly smoked crack cocaine with Svekla, was found dead inside a hockey bag in Fort Saskatchewan in May 2006.

Her naked body was rammed and contorted into a cocoon to fit in the bag that was stuffed with compost worms, garbage bags and a shower curtain.

Along with second-degree murder in Innes’ death, he was also convicted of committing an indignity to her dead body, a charge that resulted in a concurrent term of four years.

“We don’t treat the dead with the utter contempt and utter disregard that you exhibited to Miss Innes,” Sanderman told a stolid Svekla.

Innes’ mother, Beverley, said her family was pleased with the decision, and that Svekla “won’t hurt anybody again.”

Before sentencing, Innes’ oldest son, Mike, spoke loudly in court as he gave a victim impact statement. “I don’t have a mother, those dreams are taken away from me,” he said while Svekla sat with an uncomfortable look on his face.

Svekla declined to speak when asked by Sanderman if he wished to make a statement.“I wish to say nothing at this time,” said Svekla very quietly. –jeff.cummings@metronews.ca